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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming TAFT ISD agenda and found 5 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Blank Check for School Construction Contracts
The board is set to approve a ‘best-value’ firm for a new Ag Barn and Elementary Gym, and authorize the Superintendent to negotiate and execute the final contract. This process allows a major financial commitment to be finalized without public review of the final price tag and terms.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Taft ISD Board. ‘Regarding Item 6.B, the Board should approve the final negotiated contract in a public meeting, not pre-authorize the Superintendent to execute an agreement with unknown terms. Taxpayers deserve to see the final price tag before the district is locked in.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Contract Value
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Another Blank Check for Professional Services
The board plans to authorize the Superintendent to execute a contract with LWA for architectural and demolition services. The cost and specific terms of this ‘Professional Services’ agreement are not disclosed, preventing public oversight before the district is financially committed.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Contact the Taft ISD Board. ‘Regarding Item 6.C, please postpone the vote until the final contract with LWA, including the total cost, is presented to the public and the board for approval. Do not approve a blank check.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Contract Value
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Student ‘Data Dashboard’ Under Review
The board is reviewing the district’s ‘Data Dashboard.’ These systems can collect a wide range of sensitive, non-academic student data, and parents need to know what is being tracked, who it’s shared with, and how they can opt their children out.
Response
DEMAND ANSWERS: Contact the Taft ISD Board. ‘Regarding the Data Dashboard in Item 6.F, what specific student data points are being collected? Is any of this data shared with third-party vendors? Please confirm there is a clear and simple opt-out process for parents.’
💰 Impact: Student Data Harvesting
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Vague Title — Manual Review Required
The district is considering hiring Valley View Consulting for ‘Investment Management.’ Without the contract details, taxpayers cannot verify if the district’s funds will be managed based on the highest financial return or if political ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria will be used, sacrificing returns for activism.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the file attached in the Official Agenda (linked above) to confirm the contract with Valley View Consulting explicitly requires a sole focus on fiduciary duty and prohibits the use of ESG scoring. Email the board: ‘Regarding Item 6.E, taxpayers’ money must be invested for maximum return, not political agendas.’
💰 Impact: Politicized Investments
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| WATCH (LEVEL 3) |
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Vague Title — Manual Review Required
The board is considering a revision to the 2026-2027 academic calendar. The agenda provides no details on what changes are being proposed, preventing parents from evaluating the impact on their families.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the file attached in the Official Agenda (linked above) to confirm whether the calendar revision negatively impacts families or instructional time. Email the board to demand the proposed calendar be published well in advance of any vote.
💰 Impact: Potential Schedule Changes
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